Wearing a tartan if not Celtic heritage

[Scotus]

One of my favorite fashion tartans is Monarch of the Glen by House of Edgar. I just throw it out there as a choice. That being said...

...I agree with Chas; whatever tartan you choose, have a reason/connection to the tartan. Maybe you've visited some place in Scotland and fell in love with it and you choose that tartan. Fine, but have some emotional connection to the tartan. Lots and lots of people will ask, "Why that tartan?"

[Kilted Sapper]

As I can see what Chas is saying and I agree but with what Tony is first saying makes me ponder also!

Me being in the Army, Marines and the National Guard you are only authorized to wear the medals that are assinged to you. I was never one to be a PX Private and just wear a ribbon because I liked the colors?

So in my case is it better to wear and not to offend your true heritage from your fathers name or can it be handed down from your mothers side as well?

[English Bloke]

As you say you have NO scottish connection. have a look at Isle of Skye.

Beautiful universal tartan (meaning anyone can wear it) with the added bonus of instant membership to the Global IoS owners club (I don't think you get a certificate or a badge though )

There are lots of pictures on here to help you see what it looks like made up (use the search facility in the 'show us your pics' section).

One thing though, beware of cheap (and frankly nasty) imitations.

As you are in North America, speak to, or email Freedom Kilts or USA kilts through the sponsors links on here for the real deal and more info regarding pricing.

[2176agp]

As you say you have NO scottish connection. have a look at Isle of Skye.

Hey! Thanks a bunch. I looked at it, and that's the one that will be be for kilt number 2. Its perfect and will look superb as formal wear.

As you are in North America, speak to, or email Freedom Kilts or USA kilts through the sponsors links on here for the real deal and more info regarding pricing.

Been there, looked, and am now gathering up cans and bottles to turn in for deposit return to fund it!

Tony

[McMurdo]

I would second the idea of an Isle of Skye kilt it really is a beautiful tartan here are a few photos.







As for the question about wearing either your mothers or fathers tartan it is my experience that you can wear either one.

[Mac Ghille Sheathanaich]

What is your family name? Or your ancestors' names? You may have more Celt in you than you realize.

Fide et Fortitudine, aye!

T.

[Phil]

Not being a Scot, I feel it is a privilege to wear a kilt. My wife and I talked about me getting a tartan one for dress wear. Because tartans are associated with families and I have no wish to offend -- I assume it wouldn't be polite to wear a particular clan's tartan when one is not of that family or heritage -- what could I wear?

Right Tony. First of all I believe there is far too much reticence on your side of the pond about upsetting people by wearing their tartan. This is an inhibition that you must get under control before going to a good website such as the Scottish Tartans Authority and trolling through there until you find a few tartans you really like. Then you make a final decision and provided it is not one of the very few restricted tartans, go along to a good kiltmaker and have a kilt made in that tartan. Wear it with pride and know which tartan it is if anyone asks you, you could even throw in that it was your granny's tartan if you feel you must.

[Jock Scot]

Right Tony. First of all I believe there is far too much reticence on your side of the pond about upsetting people by wearing their tartan. This is an inhibition that you must get under control before going to a good website such as the Scottish Tartans Authority and trolling through there until you find a few tartans you really like. Then you make a final decision and provided it is not one of the very few restricted tartans, go along to a good kiltmaker and have a kilt made in that tartan. Wear it with pride and know which tartan it is if anyone asks you, you could even throw in that it was your granny's tartan if you feel you must.

You are so right Phil.

[JRB]

Right Tony. First of all I believe there is far too much reticence on your side of the pond about upsetting people by wearing their tartan. This is an inhibition that you must get under control before going to a good website such as the Scottish Tartans Authority and trolling through there until you find a few tartans you really like. Then you make a final decision and provided it is not one of the very few restricted tartans, go along to a good kiltmaker and have a kilt made in that tartan. Wear it with pride and know which tartan it is if anyone asks you, you could even throw in that it was your granny's tartan if you feel you must.

Your comment makes me wonder. Has anyone here ever encountered a Scot (or anyone else, for that matter) who was genuinly offended or upset at the sight of someone wearing a specific clan tartan who was not "entitled" to wear it? Other than the restricted tartans you mentioned I've never seen or heard of such an incident myself.

[Jock Scot]

Your comment makes me wonder. Has anyone here ever encountered a Scot (or anyone else, for that matter) who was genuinly offended or upset at the sight of someone wearing a specific clan tartan who was not "entitled" to wear it? Other than the restricted tartans you mentioned I've never seen or heard of such an incident myself.

Not unless they are drunk and then very occasionally a wee bit of inter-clan leg pulling can get out of hand. We are too polite in the Highlands to ask,we do observe though and the wearing of more than one tartan,without good reason, will be noted ,but not ever mentioned.We would just assume it was another visitor with a case full of kilts, who does not know the form. A raising of the eyebrow,a look, a shrug of the shoulders, a wry smile is all you would get, all very discreetly done I might add.